The Phoenix Centre in supporting children’s mental health this week in Pembroke. It’s a time for communities, families and friends to come together to mark Children’s Mental Health Week which is on now until May 7th.
The theme this year from the CMHA is centered around sharing stories. as we come out of the pandemic, the whole shape of the negative impacts on the mental health of children and youths, especially those with more serious mental health concerns.
Every year during Children’s Mental Health Week, the Phoenix Centre and the Children’s Mental Health Ontario reach out to families in their circles, the communities, and beyond to share lived experiences in the face of mental health hurdles and the growing need of struggling kids and their families to actively listen.
Data collected from hospitals during the pandemic showed that the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 10th reason children and young adults aged 5 to 17 were hospitalized since 2020.
The work is still ongoing, but the Ontario government has made a fresh investment of $425 million dollars, proving their dedication to positive change to address the current crisis.
CMHO and the Phoenix Centre encourage everyone to take some time this week to reflect on the importance of mental health that many kids and their families struggles.
The community is also encouraged to share their stories with each other or online using #MyStory and #CMHW2023. A list of local and Ontario mental health resources for parents and kids is available at cmho.org and www.phoenixctr.com.
(Written by Luke Notman)